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Sunday, November 30, 2014

Books for Nothing is where I’ll be updating you guys on free Kindle reads.

I downloadtons of Freebies weekly and sometimes I’m too lazy to let you guys know about the tons of books I get on I am a Book Hoarder, so I decided to create this! That way you guys can enjoy the awesomeness too as who doesn’t love the word free!

*Note: If some aren't free they became non-free after I scheduled this post

One boy. Mother calls him Hansel. One girl. Mother named her Gretel. Locked in little rooms, in the mountainside mansion of a crazy woman. Until he saws a hole into the wall dividing them. Then at least, they have each other’s hands.

It doesn’t end well at Mother’s house. Everything gets…broken.

Ten years later, they meet again in an exclusive Vegas sex club. Whips. Chains. And most of all, a mask. What happens to love when it gets twisted?

Everly Monteith has traded her life of glitter, parties, and self-destruction for waitressing at a Parisian café. She’s put the tragedy that sent her across the Atlantic in the past—until her toxic ex shows up and sends her reeling once more. Her fresh start begins slipping away until a smug British war correspondent crashes her party. But falling for Beckett means letting down her guard, something that might pull them both into the dark.

There are beautiful lies in this world, and it takes me being chased through a hallway at a rave to decide this girl is one of them. But even the most beautiful lies aren’t worth chasing.

Twenty-five-year-old Beckett Reid is forced into sabbatical after being kidnapped on assignment in Afghanistan. Back in Paris, he locks himself away to work on a novel, focused on saving his budding journalism career. But when he meets an enigmatic American heiress, his plans are quickly neglected. Everly is the perfect replacement for dangerous war zones, even if she does leave glitter on everything he owns. Reckless and wild, she runs through life making more mistakes than anyone he’s met, but Beckett is determined to fight for her, even if he must face the messy truth that he must fight for himself first.

*This New Adult romance is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.*

“We’re like dominoes, Beckett and I. I’ve tipped us forward until everything is set in motion. I can’t stop us from colliding. I should enjoy the fall while it lasts. But I know the end is coming too. The quiet. The day where everything has fallen and there’s nothing left but a mess. ”

~Deleted Scene~

When Beckett and Everly go out on their "non-dates" around Paris, he notices a slip of red string tied around her wrist. This scene didn't make the cut, but here's Everly buying her magic bracelet:

***

“Magic.” A weathered-looking man wearing mismatched clothes and a worn cap hobbles up next to me, blocking my path. “I’ll show you a magic trick,” he says.
I shake him off, glancing over his shoulder to the Sacre-Coeur perched high upon the hill. I scan the 300 steps, the crowds of tourists battling the same siege of beggars, huskers, and string men.
The gypsy’s mouth widens, exposing a mouth of yellowed teeth. “Magic for a beautiful girl. A magic trick just for you.”
His hand shakes when he pulls out a length of red wool string from his pocket. He smells like cognac and piss, his gray hair matted to the side of his head as if he just woke up in an alley of Montmartre. His ragged breath whistles between his cracked lips, high-pitched like steam escaping the city sewers.
“Magic,” he repeats, shifting from one foot to another.
I narrow my eyes, listening to the way he says that word with firm belief. As if magic truly does exist. As if he can tie a length of cooking string around my wrist and I’ll be transported far from Paris. I’d like that, but a length of sting won’t change the fact that magic isn’t reality. With his knot at my wrist, I’ll still be Everly.
He motions for my hand. His lips curl into a snarl when I refuse. That kind, eager front a few minutes ago has washed away to a man who's hungry for money. He grips my arm and hauls me closer. “Your wrist.”
My heart drums in my chest. I’m still focused on that length of red wool in his hand and its simple con. The very idea that a length of string is worth a tourist’s time and money. That it's novelty is worth his fingers pinching my flesh when I refuse.
I have a magic trick of my own. “Non merci.”
He releases his grip quick and steps back. No doubt he thought I was another clueless American. But the trick’s on him because he believed my con.
I lift my chin and pause, searching for something to say, but what can I say to a man who tries to sell strangers the idea of magic? I spin around and leap up a few steps, my flats sliding over the worn stone, my skirt fluttering around my knees in the spring breeze. And then I stop dead in my tracks, my hands balling up in fists as a smile spreads to my lips. I race back down to him. “C’est combine?”
His brows draw together in a low dip. His face is dirty, his teeth decayed, but he has the most striking hazel eyes.
I stick out my wrist. “Pas de magie.” I press my lips together, waiting.
He bows his head as he circles the string around my wrist and ties it, but I can still make out his knowing grin. He knots the bracelet, snapping the string with his filthy fingers. “Pas de magie. But for you,” he continues in heavy accented English, “a bracelet.”
I shrug, digging into my clutch for a few Euros. I drop the money into his outstretch palm. I hadn’t made much in tips from waiting tables that morning, but I wasn’t going to run off without paying either.
All truths burn bright and clear. I’m still waiting for mine. I might be standing in at the heart of the City of Love, but I know there is no magic. Not here in Paris, not back home in Manhattan. I’m not going to stand around and wait for it to happen either.
I walk up the steps, avoiding the church, climbing past the small shops of Rue Norvins instead. Postcards and scarfs, silly Eiffel tower magnets and statues crowd the shelves, a little more subtle than the beggars on the steps. But their aim is the same—to convince tourists they can take this city home with them when they leave. But that’s a lie, too, because you can’t possibly bring a city like Paris home with you. No scarf or memento will change that.
I keep my head down to avoid someone recognizing me, my hair curtaining my face as I make my way to the small square the top of the hill. The air is sweet from sugar crepes and cappuccinos. The square is crowded with cafes and they’re busy, the ceramic clink of cups and chatter clash with the accordion player in the center of the square.
It’s easy to get caught up in the romance of it, the lovely dream that’s Paris. That’s probably why artists line the sidewalks trying to hawk art even if it’s not very good. The tourists don’t seem to mind. They enjoy the accordion player too, tossing him change as he plays La vie en rose over and over.I order a coffee from one of the cafes and settle against the base of a tree just beyond the bustling square. The gray roofs of Paris spread out below me. Up here, it really is like looking at life with rose-colored glasses.

~About The Author~

**Stay connected. Sign up for Rebecca's newsletter for the latest release news, exclusive excerpts, and giveaways.**It began with a boy who survived a plane crash in the wilderness.

I discovered my love of writing during a fifth grade writing assignment for Hatchet. After that, I knew I wanted to be a writer.

Always the hopeless romantic, I write late Victorian and Edwardian historical romances as well as contemporary New Adult romances.

I am a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), as well as the New Hampshire chapter (NHRWA) and the New England chapter (NECRWA). I contribute regularly to the Modern Belles of History blog, a site dedicated to writing, reading, and researching 20th century women’s historical fiction.

When I’m not writing, I’m most likely reading or daydreaming about my next travel adventure. I live in New Hampshire with my husband and our cat, Bella.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Knowing that I didn't review Death's Avatar two years ago, when I originally read it in October 2012, I decided to read it again since I've been on a novella kick lately and this time to review it. But along the way I found out that there were quite a few books in the Fall of 2012 that I read but didn't review. And it wasn't because I gave them low ratings, mainly because I just couldn't find the words to review them with.

Here's the list of books I didn't review:

When Lightning Strikes (1-800-Where-R-You #1) by Meg Cabot- I swore I wrote a review for it but I guess I didn't and I didn't rate it either (read it before I joined Goodreads in the summer of 2012, read it in February)

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher- I absolutely loved this book! But just couldn't get my rambling praises to form a proper review, 5 Stars

Unbelievable (Pretty Little Liars #4) by Sara Shepard- I liked this one but I don't know why I didn't review it, I've reviewed 1, 2, 3, and 5, so I don't get why not this one haha. 4 Stars

Dead Is So Last Year (Dead Is #3) by Marlene Perez- Did a Vlog review on this but now I want to read it again and give it a proper one (Vlog reviews are great, but it was the first time I did it and I was totally awkward) 4 Stars

Dead Is Just A Rumor (Dead Is #4) by Marlene Perez- I think it's funny I wrote a review for the last one in the series but not for these two haha 4 Stars

Zombie Cinderella (Zombie Fairy Tales #1)byKevin Richey- Omfg, this was so good and I can't believe I didn't write a review, I meant to but just didn't. 5 StarsEverneath (Everneath #1)byBrodi Ashton- This was so breathtaking, it just left me speechless! I tried to review it but nothing I said felt like it did justice for it. 5 StarsTorn (Trylle #2)byAmanda Hocking- Gave it 5 Stars yet nothing haha I truly enjoyed this series so I just might reread it again haha Reviewed the first and last one so I don't know why I couldn't review this one, it was definitely my favorite out of the three Death's Avatar by S.M Reine- I finally found the words after I read it again this October, reviewed and 4 Stars Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1)bySusan Dennard- I kinda understand why I didn't review this one because I only gave it 3 StarsThe Future of Us by Jay Asher- Another good one that I just couldn't find the words to explain my feelings, 4 StarsI feel like 2012 was a really good year, there was a lot of memorable reads, great starts to new series and most of these I can totally see myself rereading and reviewing cause I feel weird for not doing so in the first place. And then continuing these awesome series!Have you sometimes just not reviewed something, whether it was a high rating or low rating?But to say the least, I've gotten way better at reviewing everything I read now.Thanks for stopping by!

While dog sitting this month I finally grabbed a red pen and started editing The Gatherers, prequel to The Harvesters. I still do (hope) plan to publish it January 23rd, so the two weeks before that date I'll be finishing editing and making it perfect till I think it's ready for publication because I don't think I'll have any relaxing moments next month to get to that nitty gritty stuff. Instead I'll be working on the little details, final head count, turning in final payments, wine tasting, make-up trails, bridal shower, packing, engagement photos, and all the other nitty gritty stuff for my wedding to my hero January 3rd.

So for those first two weeks at my new home and in a new city, I'll finally have some relaxing moments to get back into the swing of things. What better way than to publish a book right haha. Unless something changes or my cover artist doesn't get back to me with my new last name on the cover, then I'll publish it early February. Maybe Valentine's Day? Because that plays a part in the book. We'll see, but I'm really hoping to keep the original publication date.

Also, started on another New Adult short story. It's based off an idea I got a year ago. I started writing it back then but once I wrote the opening scene I just wasn't feeling it anymore. But I got inspired to have another go at it again because an indie publishing house is looking for analogy submissions and that day I saw that post something just clicked and I typed out over 2,500 words. A record for me baby!

I haven't gotten back to it but I miss writing for it so much and I'm just dying to get back to it again! Submissions end in February so we'll see if I can finish in time! If not, then I'll no doubt publish it on my own because it's definitely something I want to share with you guys! And to me, I think it's definitely the darkest thing I've ever written before (if that's possible), I'm so excited! With growing within my writing, I think that's helped a lot and it's taking this story where it's supposed to go and where I wanted it to go a year ago. And I think it was meant to be written now instead of last year because of that reason. The words were just flying and after writing over 2000 words that day, I felt truly amazing and like I was flying with seeing how much I accomplished! It's a fabulous feeling and I can't wait to get back to it!

So, if I do end up publishing it on my own we could be looking at a summer release? Fingers crossed!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Hey Y'all, just a quick post to let you know this week I'm going on vacation and getting away for the rest of the week! But don't worry, I have a few post scheduled for the week. A couple reviews ( I know I've been lacking on those, haven't been reading much) Okay, so I was too tired to write the reviews yesterday :/, a few book promoting post, and some writing updates.

I'm leaving this morning on a road trip with my soon to be parents-in-laws to San Diego for the Marine Corp Ball (tonight) I'll be going to with my Fiancé who's stationed down there and then spending thanksgiving day with him and his family as he has four days off for the holiday. Which means I'll be spending everyday with him this week, doing a few things we need to do before getting married January 3rd, celebrating my birthday early (it's on December 1st) and going on a whole bunch of adventures! Like buying some new outfits for our Engagement photo shoot happening the day after he gets home on December 28th! Yay!

Anyways, just thought I'd let you know that I'm going to be away from the internet world for a bit and I'll be back next week. And just to forewarn you, next month is going to be crazy for me as it's the last month to get everything set and ready for our wedding January 3rd and me packing because I'll be moving down there the week after we get married, so there's going to be a lot of book promoting post and not a lot of book reviews and I'm sorry- not sorry about that- but I'd just wanted to forewarn you. So next month, I'll be doing a whole bunch of movie reviews instead (a lot less time to do those haha)

Monday, November 24, 2014

Chameleon Shapeshifters, uncontrollable storm powers, and the rise of Sylakia’s Dragon-elite. The battle against evil scales new heights, but the price of victory grows ever dearer.

Once, a Shadow Dragon ravaged the Island-World. Insatiable. Unstoppable. A Dragon-killer. Now the Shadow Dragon has reappeared, on a collision course with Aranya and King Beran’s campaign to liberate the Islands from the scourge of Sylakian tyranny. He is dark, beautiful and deadly, a predator of untold power.

Meantime, Thoralian weaves his web of guile and betrayal right in the hearts of Aranya’s friends and allies. He will bring them to an encounter only he can win.

Incredible aerial battles. An Ancient Dragon bent on enslaving Aranya. The treacherous secrets of Dragon magic. This is the fight for which destiny has shaped a heroine of rare courage–Aranya, Princess of Immadia. Criminal. Shapeshifter Dragon. A woman who will confront evil at any cost. Spite her at your peril.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

How does a star fall?
Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.
Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he'll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it's far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won't stop trying to run his life.
Then Brielle falls into his world.
She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she's crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can't just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.
And his whole world falls apart.
A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.

~Praise for How a Star Falls~

"Perfect for when you want a whimsical, heartwarming read, How a Star Falls is more than an inspirational romance...it's a wink and a smile."
- Joanne Bischof, award winning author of This Quiet Sky

"Amber Stokes has perfectly expressed the challenges of twenty-something life in her sweet contemporary new adult novella, How a Star Falls. Brielle and Derrick's journey reminds us all of the search to find ourselves in the midst of young adulthood. Their story is charming and wistful with emotions we can all relate to experiencing at some point in our lives. It is a tale about letting go in order to find yourself once again while never losing the importance of who you are...and who you can be."
- Cerella Sechrist, author of Gentle Persuasion and The Paris Connection

"Though not typically a reader of contemporary fiction, I found How a Star Falls to be a wonderfully told story of both sweet romance and coming to terms with the fact that even though life doesn't always turn out exactly as we dreamed it would, even our undesirable circumstances can lead to a bright future."
- Jaye L. Knight, author of Ilyon Chronicles

He led the way to the lighthouse, but instead of stopping at a bench, he headed down the stairs to the beach. When he finally reached the shore, he scuffed through the sand until he found a promising spot that didn’t look like it would get wet anytime soon. At the moment, they had the little piece of beach to themselves.
“This is really nice,” Brielle said as she clutched the paper bag to her stomach and gazed out at the boats bobbing in the choppy water. “A little cold, but nice.”
He glanced up from where he was smoothing out the towel. “Too cold?”
She offered him a cheeky grin.
“Everything’s too cold for a star.”
That drew out a laugh from him as he sat on the towel and patted the other side. “I thought outer space was supposed to be freezing. Space suits and all that, right?”
She plopped down next to him and set the bag between them, turning her head at the screech of a seagull above them. As he brought out the food, she responded, “You’re thinking like a human. It’s not cold for the stars. They’re always shining, always warm. That frozen darkness could never touch them.”
Her words stilled his hand as he clutched an apple. Hadn’t he once told his dad the same thing, that stars would be warm to the touch?

~About The Author~

﻿

Amber Stokes works as a content writer (marketing services) for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this new chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home.

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 12/16/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Books for Nothing is where I’ll be updating you guys on free Kindle reads.

I downloadtons of Freebies weekly and sometimes I’m too lazy to let you guys know about the tons of books I get on I am a Book Hoarder, so I decided to create this! That way you guys can enjoy the awesomeness too as who doesn’t love the word free!

*Note: If some aren't free they became non-free after I scheduled this post

College senior, Lexi Thompson, finds herself in a relationship to be wed to the university’s star baseball pitcher, Collin Norris. Collin’s damn hot, but his lack of spark has Lexi thinking twice before she says ‘I Do’. When she’s forced to tutor bad boy football quarterback, Raven Davenport, she soon discovers all the things she’s missing in her relationship with Collin. Will she succumb to the temptations enticing her, or will Collin be able to convince his sweet, innocent fiancée that his love for her is genuine despite his lack of affection?

Marion MacAlister wants to nail her audition, not get nailed. Truly. Honestly. All right...maybe she does want to get nailed, but that's just because her hottie landlord and local diner owner Mack Ryan is confusing her with his mouth.

Can friends become lovers? Especially friends who might not even be friends in the first place?

Going Down is the sexy and hilarious first novella in the five-part Wish Upon A Stud series.

When she accepts a ride from the first car to come by she meets Gabriel. He’s her age, hot, and the closest thing she has to a savior. Problem is, he is a total jerk. With nowhere to go, Caden convinces Gabriel to let her stay with him for one night. He reluctantly lends a couch.

That night Caden wakes up to strange noises. Concerned, she rushes into Gabriel’s room, already anticipating his bad temper. Instead, he’s kind, sweet, and suspiciously harmless—nothing like the man who gave her a ride. He seems like a different person altogether, and claims he is. By night he is Tom, and by day he is Gabriel. Caden finds herself drawn to the mysteries hidden in his eyes.

For Gabriel, Caden is an annoying mistake. One night turns into many, and despite all his anger towards her, she stays. She even seems to accept him and his flaws, but he still doesn’t trust her—is she staying for him, or has she already discovered more than he’s willing to share?

I love to write just as much as I love to read. I try to read a book per week, which doesn’t always work out, but it’s the thought that counts. Aside from all that I am a huge animal person.

Transformed is my first novel, but it isn’t my first publication; I’ve had several short stories published over the last two years. My main goal as a writer is to explore humanity and to give people something fun to read.

Lucy Trabbicio’s a down-on-her-luck, young, American, former biker-bar cocktail waitress desperate to find a job. Lady Elizabeth Billingsley hires Lucy to travel to Fredonia, the tiny jewel of a country in the Alps, for ten days ‘tops’ to impersonate her.

Say what? How the heck is that going to happen?

In the mother of all makeovers, Elizabeth’s people teach Lucy how to dress, walk, talk, eat, be coiffed and even get naked like a European Lady.

The goal?

To keep Crown Prince Cristoph Timmel interested in Elizabeth until she finishes her unexpected, pressing personal business in the States.

But fate intervenes… Lucy meets and is wildly attracted to sexy, bad-boy Nick on the oh-so-long flights to Fredonia. Unfortunately for Lucy—Nick and Elizabeth have a hot sexual history, which Nick wants to immediately resume.

Prince Cristoph proposes marriage. What's an imposter girl to do? Elizabeth insists that she’ll make it back home in time for the wedding. Lucy accepts Cristoph’s proposal and is on the fast track to becoming a Princess but continues to fall for the wrong Prince of Fredonia—Nick. When another tiny glitch arises—someone’s trying to kill her.

The only folks helping Lucy are her wild, party hard, take-no-prisoners Ladies-in-Waiting.

When the real Lady Elizabeth decides she’s not marrying Cristoph and never returning to Fredonia, Lucy’s faced with an uncomfortable decision—continue her deception, marry the prince she’s not in love with and live a dream life albeit without Nick, her dream guy? Or tell the truth and return to poverty and oblivion?

A modern day sexy fairy tale with romance, twists and turns, LOL moments, a few tears and an empowering ending.

~Meet Lucy~

What is the name of your character?

Lucy Marie Trabbiccio.

Is she fictional or a historic person?

Lucy’s a fictional character, but she feels so real because she is 'every girl'.When and where is the story set?

Part-time Princess is set in present day Chicago as well as in Fredonia: a small, pristine European crown jewel of a country situated in the Alps between Italy, France and Switzerland. What should we know about Lucy? She has a heart of gold, she's a hard-worker, she knows how to think-on-her feet and improvise. She is determined. What is the main conflict? What messes up her life?

Lucy's fired from her job as a cocktail waitress in a biker bar in Chicago. She takes an interesting part-time job impersonating Lady Elizabeth Billingsley of Fredonia. In the mother of all makeovers, she is groomed to the nines, learns how to walk and talk like a lady, get naked like a European lady, perfect the royal wave and curtsey. She memorizes the list of characters in Elizabeth's life before she flies to Fredonia for a ten day gig that turns into a month nightmare/dream come true. On the flight over, she meets Nicholas - who's had a torrid affair with the real Elizabeth in the past, and wants to take up where they left off.Awkward.While Lucy is supposed to keep Prince Cristoph interested in Elizabeth - there's a slight problem when she starts to fall for his brother, Nick.

What is the personal goal of the character?

She believes her personal goal is to be good at her job. She discovers her personal goal is much more than that.

Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it?

Part-time Princess, (Ladies-in-Waiting, #1) is available as an e-book, Audible version, and a paperback.

~Excerpt~

Except for a quick nap on British Air and passing out, I’d been up for well over twenty-four hours and desperately needed to sleep. Steam wisped from the simmering hot tub waters. It looked so warm and relaxing—it could soothe my aching muscles. I remembered the mineral waters at the Drake Hotel. This spa beckoned me, practically called my name. But I had no bathing suit.

Whatever.

I stripped off my clothes and tossed them on the floor. My underwear would suit me just fine. I leaned down, set the timer for five minutes and the waters bubbled to life. I placed one foot on the first stair that descended into the tubwhen I remembered Zara and Mr. Philip’s lesson: How to be Naked like a European Lady.

I glanced around. I was completely alone. I listened—didn’t hear a peep. The windows in the room were high on the walls and covered completely by blinds. And I was finally in Europe—now was as good a time as any. I stepped out of the water, unclipped my front-hook bra, pulled the straps down my shoulders, shrugged out of it and tossed it onto my clothes pile. Shimmied out of my panties and pitched them as well.

I was buck naked in the middle of a room I’d never even been in before, in a filthy rich penthouse condo, in a foreign country. I did a quick happy dance to celebrate my progress in conquering my modesty and then stepped into the tub’s soothing waters. “Aah.” I sighed, leaned my head back against the tiled side and flinched when that touched the painful bump on my noggin.

I flipped over onto my stomach, placed my arms on top of the hot tub’s tiled lip, turned my head to the side and rested one cheek as my legs splayed out behind me. I sighed. “The perfect end to my not-so-perfect day,” I said.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Halen knows the sparks igniting under her fingertips are dangerous. She has spent her entire life trying to quell the tingly feelings that make her destroy things, but now that she is back in Rockaway Beach, where she watched her father drown, the flames have become impossible to tame.

Halen is trying to hold on, but when she is thrust into a mysterious new world, the underwater realm of Elosia, she unravels the secrets of her past and can't help but ignite. As she explores Elosia, she realizes her life has been a lie. And when those who have deceived her come to her for help, Halen must choose—walk away or unleash the magick that could destroy them all.

Halen's eyes clouded over and when
the smoke cleared she found herself standing in an open field. She was dressed
in a cotton dress which fell around her ankles. Soft grass tickled her toes.
She took a step forward and a flower sprung from the ground beside her. She
leaned down to pick the red poppy. As she took another step a flower sprang up
from between the blades of grass. Halen smiled. She walked a little farther and
with each step a new poppy sprouted and bloomed. She ran faster and the field
blossomed under her feet, and when she waved her hand, the entire valley filled
with red poppies. She inhaled their sweet scent and when she exhaled, the birds
glided in the breeze of her breath through an endless blue sky.

Halen laughed when the wind caught
her skirt and swept the fabric up over her head, but when she pushed it down,
dark clouds rolled overhead. She took one step forward and the grass beneath
her feet sizzled to a crisp. Taking another step, the poppies burst into
flames. The fire licked the hem of her skirt and she gathered it up over her
knees. Scanning the field, she spotted a boulder; if she could make it there,
remove her feet from the ground, she could save the rest of the field.

She ran in long strides, and with
each step, she scorched the ground with her fiery feet. Suddenly, she tripped.
Her hands touched down and the ground combusted with a brilliant light. The
fire raced through the field, spreading to the trees. The flames reached up,
lassoing the birds from the sky, dragging them to the ground. Halen crawled to
the rock and hoisted herself up. She stared out to the barren land. "No,
no. What have I done?" She clawed the air and the clouds rumbled with
thunder. The fire burned hotter and hotter under her flesh. The only way to
extinguish the flames was to release them. Tilting her head back, she opened
her mouth wide and screamed. What birds had not been burned turned now to black
beasts swirling in the torrid sky.

~About The Author~

I write stories about magick, love and dark creatures lurking in the shadows. When I'm not lost in Edit Land you can find me reading a book from my towering TBR pile or at the movie theater nibbling licorice. I don't have a lucky number, but my favorite time is 11:11. I completely believe that the fortunes found inside cookies will come true and that you must be careful when wishing on stars. I live on an island, so if you want to visit you'll need a boat, and if you want to survive the passage be sure to bring candy for the mermaids.